The Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) has released a new guide for Public Servants on informing and advising Ministers.
In Circular 2021-24: Informing and advising Ministers, Victorian Public Sector Commissioner, Adam Fennessy (pictured) said VPSC’s guide Informing and advising Ministers provided high-level, principles-based guidance for Secretaries and Senior Executives explaining obligations and responsibilities when informing and advising Ministers.
“Informing and advising Ministers outlines the legal obligations and responsibilities of Departmental Secretaries in the context of the system in Victoria of responsible Government and Ministerial accountability,” Mr Fennessy said.
“It clarifies lines of responsibility and accountability between Secretaries, Ministers and the Government, and highlights key areas of focus for Secretaries in meeting their responsibilities to be apolitical, manage their Department’s day-to-day activities and advise their Ministers to deliver on the Government’s priorities,” he said.
“A key piece of advice offered by the Guidance is that Secretaries should proactively brief their Ministers on all matters of significance, using their judgement and experience to determine what the Minister needs to know to administer their portfolio and account to Parliament.”
Mr Fennessy said the new Guide emphasised the need for Secretaries to provide frank and fearless advice openly and apolitically; support the provision of difficult advice; implement working arrangements that operated effectively in urgent situations; uphold and model the public sector values; and build a trusting relationship with the Minister.
He said it also noted the importance of formally documenting advice and information provided to the Minister.
“The guidance is directed at Secretaries and Senior Public Service Executives, recognising that such executives exercise the delegated authority of Secretaries,” he said.
“All Public Service staff are advised to review the guidance for their own information,” Mr Fennessy said.
The VPSC Guide can be accessed at this PS News link and Circular 2021-24 at this link.
